How to Pick an SD Memory Card

SD cards are a compact and inexpensive storage medium that come in a variety of types, brands, and storage sizes.

Instructions

Step 1: Check compatibility Check the compatibility of older digital cameras or camcorders to the newer SDHC that have become the standard over the old SD cards.

Step 2: Determine size Determine how much storage space you need. If you are buying an SD card for a still camera, a 4 GB card is sufficient. For video, 8 or 16 GB is needed.

Step 3: Pick a speed Assess your need for speed. Stated speed is how fast still images are written to a card, whereas Class ratings are how fast video is written. Check the specifications of your product.

TIP: Digital SLRs often need cards with faster speeds than other digital cameras.

Step 4: Choose the right features Choose the extras that are right for you. For example, SD+ cards have a built in USB connect so that when flipped down they can double as a thumb drive.

FACT: Developed by SanDisk, Toshiba, and Panasonic as a joint effort, the SD card was first released in 1999.